Last
year, the National Executive Board passed a resolution that, in support of the
mission of the Boy Scouts of America, all programs would begin using the Scout
Oath and Law. Recently, there have been a number of questions about the
effective date of this change, which primarily affects Cub Scouting and
Venturing.
The
resolution reads, in part: "effective with the release of youth handbooks and
leader aids supporting this and other changes related to Strategic Plan Goal
411.” The release of these materials (and the effective date of the change)
will be May 2014 for Venturing and May 2015 for Cub Scouting.

Creation of a National Venturing Committee with a key
three structure reporting to the Council Operations Support Committee and
connected to local councils thru regional Venturing chairs. Nominations process is currently
underway.

Redevelopment of the Venturing JTE goals and structure
to specifically build focus and support for membership growth and quality
program implementation.

A revision of the Venturing program structure,
including recognition awards and requirements to be more supporting of
youth interests and future needs.

Beginning to report Varsity membership with the balance
of BSA’s older youth programs – Venturing and Sea Scouts. This will begin in 2014 and is
administrative only, no changes in the Varsity program.

Adult training is being modified to separate position
specific training for committee members from advisors. Current youth training receives some
changes to make it more Venturing specific and importantly a number of new
trainings/experiences are added to support the new program requirements.

The use of the Scout Oath and Law and the Scout sign
and salute and an increase emphasis on uniforming – developed by National
Supply or of crew design, round out the recommendations.

Venturing Age/Grade Eligibility Change

The
National Executive Board recently approved a resolution to change the
eligibility requirements for Venturing to ensure consistency among
Venturing, high-adventure bases, and other core programs.The current
age and grade eligibility requirement for participation in the
Venturing program is 14 years of age and completion of the eighth grade.

Effective May 1, 2010,
the minimum age requirement will be changed to 14 years of age, or 13
years of age and completion of the eighth grade. The maximum age for
participation remains under 21 years of age.In support of this change, is a list of frequently asked questions posted here.
This includes questions about Sea Scouts, advancement, changes to
literature and forms, camp eligibility and Boy Scout numbers.

National Capital Area Council Venturing Awards Procedures. Administrative procedures for submission of Venturing Awards are explained in this document. However, with the publication of the newAdvancement Manual 2013, these NCAC procedures are under revision. The NCAC Advancement and Recognition Committee affirms this new document is mandatory. This means the procedures, documents, criteria and guidance within the Advancement Manual 2013 must be followed and supersede any information in the NCAC document.

Venturing Literature and Awards
The NOVA Scout Shop and MSSC Scout Shop has on hand the Venturing Leaders
Manuals, the Venturer/Ranger Handbook ,
the Trust and Quest handbook and all of the Venturing Awards in stock. Advancement forms submitted to the NOVA Scout
Shop will be forwarded to the Council Office.